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Big-hitting Imrul rescues Bangladesh in opening ODI

Imrul Kayes starred with 144 as Bangladesh recorded a 28-run victory over Zimbabwe in Sunday's opening one-day international.

Bangladesh were missing a number of key men and had captain Mashrafe Mortaza still not fully fit, yet Imrul produced a sublime individual display for his depleted side in Dhaka.

Mashrafe would have been concerned as a relatively steady start seemed set to give way to a batting collapse when Kyle Jarvis (4-37) took three wickets in a hurry.

However, with Bangladesh reeling on 139-6, opener Imrul combined with Mohammad Saifuddin (50) in a 127-run stand for the seventh wicket.

The duo's partnership helped lift the hosts to 271-8 after 50 overs, seizing control of the match despite Imrul's late departure to Jarvis that prompted a standing ovation and congratulations from his opponents.